The Ties That Bind
Chapter 11
Anakin stepped into the main hall and stopped. There were press everywhere. Padmé, now dressed up in a regal outfit befitting her station as Queen, was seated on a dais laughing with the senator from Alderaan, and drew his gaze immediately. She didn't look at him, but he knew she felt his gaze. Walking into the room, he carefully made his way towards the table, nodding to people and greeting them pleasantly. He didn't want to be here.
*And I do?*
He hid a grimace. *Sorry Angel. When do you give your speech?*
He met her gaze across the room as he walked towards her, though she somehow kept her conversation with both him and the senator from Alderaan going at the same time. *Soon. I can't wait to get some sleep!*
He turned a chuckle into a cough and continued towards her. She tore her gaze from his mesmerizing blue eyes and smiled at Senator Organa. He felt jealousy start to burn in his gut. She should only ever smile at him. He consciously pushed it down. Padmé loved him. Regardless of whom she smiled at, she was his. Fighting back the monster, he stopped at the side of her chair and listened with half an ear to their conversation. It was all politics, discussing the affairs between their respective worlds.
She broke off the conversation before Bail Organa could move it to another political track and reached up to grasp Anakin's hand, "Senator Organa, have you met Padawan Skywalker?"
Anakin inclined his head to the Senator as Bail gave him a once over, "I have not had that honor before. I understand we have you to thank for saving the beautiful woman's life."
Anakin squeezed Padmé's hand as he replied, "It is my responsibility to see to her safety. I will not allow harm to come to her if it is within my power."
Bail's smile was genuine as he grinned, "Indeed. You must be flattered to have such a valiant protector my dear."
Padmé stood and smiled, "Honored, is the correct word, Senator. If you will excuse me, I need to speak with my bodyguard alone for a moment."
Anakin released her hand and offered her his arm as Bail stepped back. Padmé allowed him to lead her onto the balcony and, glancing around, threw herself into his arms. Anakin held her tightly, inhaling her clean scent and allowing it to flow through him like the Force.
She pulled back, a smile on her face, "You have no reason to be jealous of Bail, you know."
He flushed. He hadn't wanted her to know that.
Her laughter was light, "I know you didn't want me to know, Anakin, but I know all the same. Even if I couldn't read your mind, it was plain as day on your face." Her tone sobered, "How are you feeling?"
"Torn," he admitted, "I have to take my trials but after what happened I am no longer confident I can pass them."
She gently cupped his face, "I believe you will. If for no other reason than your desire to protect me. You know what will happen if you fail, you know what will happen to me. You don't want that. I know it; I can hear it in your thoughts. Don't leave me, Anakin, I couldn't bear it."
He turned his head and placed a kiss in her newly healed hand. They'd had time to administer some bacta and Force healing so she no longer looked the part of a war-zone refugee. "I won't leave you," he told her softly, pulling her back into his arms for a brief hug. Reluctantly, he pulled away, "Allow me to escort you this night, my lady, for until you deliver your speech you are still Queen."
Her smile was brilliant as she nodded and slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. Finding a genuine smile for her, he led her back into the hall.
Sabé sipped from a delicate looking glass, her back against one of the pillars of the hall. Obi-Wan had left her near the wall to speak with one of the Jedi council members. A smile formed on her lips. She felt like she was a teenager out on her first date, but under constant supervision. It was a strange feeling and not one that she was looking forward to continuing. It was time to play hooky from the party.
Her gaze scanned over the area until she found who she was looking for. She'd seen Padmé disappear onto the balcony with Anakin. And what an idea that was. Placing her drink on a side table, she made her way to where Obi-Wan was discussing something with Master Windu. She paused, wondering at her own brazen thoughts before sliding a hand possessively about his forearm. "My pardon for disturbing you, Jedi Kenobi, but I have something of the utmost importance I must discuss with you."
Master Windu gave her a look that said he wasn't fooled by her ploy as he bowed. "If you'll excuse me, Obi-Wan, I need to discuss a certain blood test with Master Yoda."
Obi-Wan turned to Sabé, arching an eyebrow at her. "A matter of the utmost importance, you say? I assume you'd like to find some place private to discuss it?"
"Of course, Master Jedi."
He motioned for her to lead the way and she took him towards one of the exits of the hall. Carefully looking around, she stepped into the deserted hallway, pulling him behind her and kicked the door shut. "Sabé, what-?"
She grabbed him, pushing him against the wall and covered his mouth with her own.
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in shock but quickly closed as his arms came around her shoulders. She'd surprised him. He kissed her back, slowing her pace and dragging a moan of pleasure from her soul. She melted against him, pinning him to the wall, her hands caught in his long hair. They separated as their lungs burned for air, but his lips dropped to her throat, kissing the raging pulse point.
She shivered under his mouth. "Obi-Wan..."
He nuzzled her ear. "Yes?"
"You're making me crazy!"
"All's fair, Sabé, you've been pushing my buttons since this night began."
She looked up at him as he raised his head, her eyes hazy with desire. "I didn't-"
He chuckled. "You did, don't deny it. That dress is enough to make me want to throw you over my shoulder and hide you away. Don't tell the council I said that, I'd be in deep trouble then."
She laughed huskily. "I wanted to ask you something."
His eyebrows hit his hairline. "You didn't steal me just to neck in the corridors?"
Her smile was evil, seductive. "Well, ok, I did, but I just thought of something I needed to ask. I have every intention of taking advantage of you not twenty feet from a plethora of Jedi Masters."
He chuckled, his breathing slowly returning to normal. "Cute, lovely. So ask, what's on your mind?"
"If the council doesn't give their permission, will I still be allowed to see you?"
His eyes became serious. "Honestly?"
She nodded.
"No. By asking the council for permission to bond with you they know I've already formed an attachment. Attachments are forbidden. If they say no, I won't be able to even speak with you again, let alone see you."
Her heart squeezed in her chest. "Yet you asked anyway?"
He nodded, ducking his head to hers. "You're worth the risk, Sabé, never believe otherwise." He kissed her again, this time keeping it chaste. "We should return to the party."
She drew in a shuddering breath, nodding. "You're my escort. We may only have tonight, Obi-Wan. Let's make it memorable."
In silent accord he took her hand and led her back to the hall.
The glittering assembly was quiet as Queen Amidala stood before them. Her face was clear of the traditional makeup, her hair piled high on her head in a series of intricate braids. Her smile was easy, serene, as she met the eyes of people she knew. And she knew almost everyone. "I want to thank you all for coming. Tonight, as you know, is the anniversary of date of my birth. Twenty three seasons have passed since that day, and nine since my journey as the Queen of Naboo began. Tonight, one of those journeys is at an end. I embark on a new one as the citizens of my beloved planet are, even now, voting in their new monarch. These past nine years have been memorable and each day a gift. I cannot thank the people I represented enough for having faith in me."
Her arm went out to her left where she extended her hand to Anakin. Her smile was dazzling as he took it and stepped forward to stand with her. "This young man is familiar to most of you for one reason or another. Be it prankster, protector, hero or friend. I owe him my life many times over, and it is because of him I am able to step down today."
There was applause as Anakin bowed over her hand, "It is my privilege and honor to have served you, my lady."
She smiled and, amongst the clapping, put her free hand up, asking again for silence, "I promise to be brief, seeing as how we are at a party, and in closing, simply say thank you. The last nine years have been incredible."
She stepped down as Senator Organa raised his glass, "To Amidala, may she continue to serve her people even though she is no longer their Queen."
The room was quick in echoing the heartfelt sentiment and toasting her. She smiled her thanks and raised her own glass in acceptance as they all drank. There were several more toasts before she motioned for the music to begin and a light, haunting melody floated across the room. Anakin, who hadn't left her side for a moment, extended his arm, "If I may be so bold as to request the lady's hand for this dance," he said formally, smiling around the unfamiliar words, "would she bequeath it to me?"
She slid her hand into his, her words for his ears alone, "For the dance and for always."
His fingers squeezed hers as he led her to the floor, *You are radiant, Ami.*
*And you look devastating. How many dance offers did you turn down when you first came in?*
He smiled down at her as he swung her into his arms and began leading her around the floor, "How many do you think?"
"Eight?"
He laughed, "For all the offers I turned down tonight, I extended only one, and that was to you."
She smiled up at him and then, breaking every rule of etiquette and protocol about dancing in public, stepped closer to him and placed her head against his chest, "Hold me, Anakin," she whispered.
*For eternity*
Ignoring the disbelieving looks, the whispers that started upon seeing their close embrace, they danced together until the set finished and Anakin escorted her from the room. The curious eyes followed them but neither cared. For tonight, they could be together. Tomorrow was soon enough to deal with the problems. For tonight, they could escape.
Emerald eyes watched as the couple left the room, the darkness surrounding them like a lover. Cloaked in shadows, they followed the progress as it led into the deserted halls, away from the mass of dignitaries and senators. Away from the Jedi that had a chance of detecting them.
Silent feet followed, hugging the shadows, stalking the couple like death with wings. Barely a breath of air betrayed their passing, not a sound betraying their presence. Cloaked completely from the Force, they trailed the two as they turned, unexpectedly, towards the private gardens. Soundlessly the shadow followed, hugging the darkness and keeping the young lovers in sight. A smile curved across a hard, unforgiving mouth. This would almost be too easy.
Chapter 11
Anakin stepped into the main hall and stopped. There were press everywhere. Padmé, now dressed up in a regal outfit befitting her station as Queen, was seated on a dais laughing with the senator from Alderaan, and drew his gaze immediately. She didn't look at him, but he knew she felt his gaze. Walking into the room, he carefully made his way towards the table, nodding to people and greeting them pleasantly. He didn't want to be here.
*And I do?*
He hid a grimace. *Sorry Angel. When do you give your speech?*
He met her gaze across the room as he walked towards her, though she somehow kept her conversation with both him and the senator from Alderaan going at the same time. *Soon. I can't wait to get some sleep!*
He turned a chuckle into a cough and continued towards her. She tore her gaze from his mesmerizing blue eyes and smiled at Senator Organa. He felt jealousy start to burn in his gut. She should only ever smile at him. He consciously pushed it down. Padmé loved him. Regardless of whom she smiled at, she was his. Fighting back the monster, he stopped at the side of her chair and listened with half an ear to their conversation. It was all politics, discussing the affairs between their respective worlds.
She broke off the conversation before Bail Organa could move it to another political track and reached up to grasp Anakin's hand, "Senator Organa, have you met Padawan Skywalker?"
Anakin inclined his head to the Senator as Bail gave him a once over, "I have not had that honor before. I understand we have you to thank for saving the beautiful woman's life."
Anakin squeezed Padmé's hand as he replied, "It is my responsibility to see to her safety. I will not allow harm to come to her if it is within my power."
Bail's smile was genuine as he grinned, "Indeed. You must be flattered to have such a valiant protector my dear."
Padmé stood and smiled, "Honored, is the correct word, Senator. If you will excuse me, I need to speak with my bodyguard alone for a moment."
Anakin released her hand and offered her his arm as Bail stepped back. Padmé allowed him to lead her onto the balcony and, glancing around, threw herself into his arms. Anakin held her tightly, inhaling her clean scent and allowing it to flow through him like the Force.
She pulled back, a smile on her face, "You have no reason to be jealous of Bail, you know."
He flushed. He hadn't wanted her to know that.
Her laughter was light, "I know you didn't want me to know, Anakin, but I know all the same. Even if I couldn't read your mind, it was plain as day on your face." Her tone sobered, "How are you feeling?"
"Torn," he admitted, "I have to take my trials but after what happened I am no longer confident I can pass them."
She gently cupped his face, "I believe you will. If for no other reason than your desire to protect me. You know what will happen if you fail, you know what will happen to me. You don't want that. I know it; I can hear it in your thoughts. Don't leave me, Anakin, I couldn't bear it."
He turned his head and placed a kiss in her newly healed hand. They'd had time to administer some bacta and Force healing so she no longer looked the part of a war-zone refugee. "I won't leave you," he told her softly, pulling her back into his arms for a brief hug. Reluctantly, he pulled away, "Allow me to escort you this night, my lady, for until you deliver your speech you are still Queen."
Her smile was brilliant as she nodded and slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. Finding a genuine smile for her, he led her back into the hall.
Sabé sipped from a delicate looking glass, her back against one of the pillars of the hall. Obi-Wan had left her near the wall to speak with one of the Jedi council members. A smile formed on her lips. She felt like she was a teenager out on her first date, but under constant supervision. It was a strange feeling and not one that she was looking forward to continuing. It was time to play hooky from the party.
Her gaze scanned over the area until she found who she was looking for. She'd seen Padmé disappear onto the balcony with Anakin. And what an idea that was. Placing her drink on a side table, she made her way to where Obi-Wan was discussing something with Master Windu. She paused, wondering at her own brazen thoughts before sliding a hand possessively about his forearm. "My pardon for disturbing you, Jedi Kenobi, but I have something of the utmost importance I must discuss with you."
Master Windu gave her a look that said he wasn't fooled by her ploy as he bowed. "If you'll excuse me, Obi-Wan, I need to discuss a certain blood test with Master Yoda."
Obi-Wan turned to Sabé, arching an eyebrow at her. "A matter of the utmost importance, you say? I assume you'd like to find some place private to discuss it?"
"Of course, Master Jedi."
He motioned for her to lead the way and she took him towards one of the exits of the hall. Carefully looking around, she stepped into the deserted hallway, pulling him behind her and kicked the door shut. "Sabé, what-?"
She grabbed him, pushing him against the wall and covered his mouth with her own.
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in shock but quickly closed as his arms came around her shoulders. She'd surprised him. He kissed her back, slowing her pace and dragging a moan of pleasure from her soul. She melted against him, pinning him to the wall, her hands caught in his long hair. They separated as their lungs burned for air, but his lips dropped to her throat, kissing the raging pulse point.
She shivered under his mouth. "Obi-Wan..."
He nuzzled her ear. "Yes?"
"You're making me crazy!"
"All's fair, Sabé, you've been pushing my buttons since this night began."
She looked up at him as he raised his head, her eyes hazy with desire. "I didn't-"
He chuckled. "You did, don't deny it. That dress is enough to make me want to throw you over my shoulder and hide you away. Don't tell the council I said that, I'd be in deep trouble then."
She laughed huskily. "I wanted to ask you something."
His eyebrows hit his hairline. "You didn't steal me just to neck in the corridors?"
Her smile was evil, seductive. "Well, ok, I did, but I just thought of something I needed to ask. I have every intention of taking advantage of you not twenty feet from a plethora of Jedi Masters."
He chuckled, his breathing slowly returning to normal. "Cute, lovely. So ask, what's on your mind?"
"If the council doesn't give their permission, will I still be allowed to see you?"
His eyes became serious. "Honestly?"
She nodded.
"No. By asking the council for permission to bond with you they know I've already formed an attachment. Attachments are forbidden. If they say no, I won't be able to even speak with you again, let alone see you."
Her heart squeezed in her chest. "Yet you asked anyway?"
He nodded, ducking his head to hers. "You're worth the risk, Sabé, never believe otherwise." He kissed her again, this time keeping it chaste. "We should return to the party."
She drew in a shuddering breath, nodding. "You're my escort. We may only have tonight, Obi-Wan. Let's make it memorable."
In silent accord he took her hand and led her back to the hall.
The glittering assembly was quiet as Queen Amidala stood before them. Her face was clear of the traditional makeup, her hair piled high on her head in a series of intricate braids. Her smile was easy, serene, as she met the eyes of people she knew. And she knew almost everyone. "I want to thank you all for coming. Tonight, as you know, is the anniversary of date of my birth. Twenty three seasons have passed since that day, and nine since my journey as the Queen of Naboo began. Tonight, one of those journeys is at an end. I embark on a new one as the citizens of my beloved planet are, even now, voting in their new monarch. These past nine years have been memorable and each day a gift. I cannot thank the people I represented enough for having faith in me."
Her arm went out to her left where she extended her hand to Anakin. Her smile was dazzling as he took it and stepped forward to stand with her. "This young man is familiar to most of you for one reason or another. Be it prankster, protector, hero or friend. I owe him my life many times over, and it is because of him I am able to step down today."
There was applause as Anakin bowed over her hand, "It is my privilege and honor to have served you, my lady."
She smiled and, amongst the clapping, put her free hand up, asking again for silence, "I promise to be brief, seeing as how we are at a party, and in closing, simply say thank you. The last nine years have been incredible."
She stepped down as Senator Organa raised his glass, "To Amidala, may she continue to serve her people even though she is no longer their Queen."
The room was quick in echoing the heartfelt sentiment and toasting her. She smiled her thanks and raised her own glass in acceptance as they all drank. There were several more toasts before she motioned for the music to begin and a light, haunting melody floated across the room. Anakin, who hadn't left her side for a moment, extended his arm, "If I may be so bold as to request the lady's hand for this dance," he said formally, smiling around the unfamiliar words, "would she bequeath it to me?"
She slid her hand into his, her words for his ears alone, "For the dance and for always."
His fingers squeezed hers as he led her to the floor, *You are radiant, Ami.*
*And you look devastating. How many dance offers did you turn down when you first came in?*
He smiled down at her as he swung her into his arms and began leading her around the floor, "How many do you think?"
"Eight?"
He laughed, "For all the offers I turned down tonight, I extended only one, and that was to you."
She smiled up at him and then, breaking every rule of etiquette and protocol about dancing in public, stepped closer to him and placed her head against his chest, "Hold me, Anakin," she whispered.
*For eternity*
Ignoring the disbelieving looks, the whispers that started upon seeing their close embrace, they danced together until the set finished and Anakin escorted her from the room. The curious eyes followed them but neither cared. For tonight, they could be together. Tomorrow was soon enough to deal with the problems. For tonight, they could escape.
Emerald eyes watched as the couple left the room, the darkness surrounding them like a lover. Cloaked in shadows, they followed the progress as it led into the deserted halls, away from the mass of dignitaries and senators. Away from the Jedi that had a chance of detecting them.
Silent feet followed, hugging the shadows, stalking the couple like death with wings. Barely a breath of air betrayed their passing, not a sound betraying their presence. Cloaked completely from the Force, they trailed the two as they turned, unexpectedly, towards the private gardens. Soundlessly the shadow followed, hugging the darkness and keeping the young lovers in sight. A smile curved across a hard, unforgiving mouth. This would almost be too easy.